Natural ways to
induce labor

With little to no scientific evidence backing up their effectiveness, these methods fall into the realm of folklore. Before trying them, speak to your doctor or midwife to get the green light.

Get moving

Movement may help start labor. You don’t have to take a kickboxing class: even a walk around the neighborhood or going up and down a few flights of stairs could do the trick.

The idea is that gravity may help your baby drop farther into the birth canal. This increased pressure may help your cervix dilate.

Even if it doesn’t work, exercise is useful for relieving stress and strengthening your muscles. Just don’t overdo it — you’ll need lots of energy when labor really does begin.

Have sex

Sex is often recommended for getting labor started. It’s safe to try as long as your water hasn’t yet broken. Sex may be effective for a few reasons, including that semen is high in prostaglandins, a hormone that can cause contractions in uterine muscles. If you’re hoping sex will get things started, your partner should ejaculate inside your vagina.

An orgasm can also stimulate the uterus, and sex in general can release the hormone oxytocin. This is the hormone that causes contractions. If you begin breastfeeding after your baby is born, the same hormone is responsible for shrinking your uterus to its prepregnancy size.

Nipple stimulation is another method you might try. Gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipple stimulates the breasts, another method of releasing oxytocin.

Try to relax

If you took a childbirth class, you’ve likely learned at least one method of relaxation. Try getting comfortable and visualizing your labor beginning. This is a good way to relieve tension, even if you find it doesn’t do much to start contractions.

Eat something spicy

Hot peppers and spicy foods are said to help induce labor. This may be because some spicy foods can trigger the release of prostaglandins as you digest.

It’s not just spicy foods that some women swear by to start labor. Everything from pineapple to licorice to Chinese food has been credited with getting the ball rolling. But remember, unless you’re used to eating these foods, it’s probably not the best idea to eat something just to try starting labor.

Down a little castor oil

With its extreme laxative effects, castor oil is another method thought to induce labor. Because it causes your bowels to contract, your uterus may start contracting, too.

There is to support that this works, and it should be used with care. Be sure to consult with your doctor first, and don’t overdo it. The last thing you want at the end of your pregnancy is a raging case of diarrhea!

Schedule an acupuncture session

Acupuncture is another method of releasing oxytocin in your body. There isn’t a lot of scientific evidence to show how successful acupuncture is in starting labor. But it’s a good tension reliever.

Ask your doctor to strip your membranes

At your next prenatal appointment, ask your doctor or midwife about having your membranes stripped. With a gloved finger, your doctor will separate the amniotic sac from the wall of your uterus. Doing so can release prostaglandins, which could help move things along.

It’s not uncommon to experience mild cramping or spotting after having your membranes stripped. If the bleeding becomes heavy, call your doctor immediately.

Go herbal

Red raspberry leaf tea is a popular method for inducing labor. The tea is thought to tone your uterus. Another herbal trick is evening primrose oil. It probably won’t start labor contractions, but it may help your cervix soften.

Always check with your doctor or midwife before trying tea or oils to induce labor.

Next steps

Even if none of these methods work to start contractions, remember that the end is near. You won’t be pregnant forever. Soon, you’ll be holding your new baby in your arms.

If nothing seems to be working, just try to get some rest. It’s probably the best thing you can do. Once your baby is here, you’re going to need the energy.

Q:

Is it safe to try inducing labor at home?

A:

If you’re now full term at 40 weeks, you may be feeling very ready to deliver and meet your baby. If you’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy with regular prenatal care, you could consider trying at-home methods to kick-start going into labor. They generally tend to be safe, but may not be very effective. Always check with your doctor before trying to induce labor on your own.

University of Illinois – Chicago, College of MedicineAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.